A CONTAMINATED batch of amphetamines that is believed to have hit the streets in Blackburn is causing users to become violent and act erratically, police have said.

Four men have had to be restrained and taken to hospital after becoming aggressive having taken what is believed to be a contaminated drug.

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The incidents have all happened in Blackburn and users of the drug have become violent, acted irrationally and suffered from dangerously high heart rates.

In one case a 24-year-old man climbed a seven foot wall and then a tree before being detained, and a 30-year-old man climbed onto the roof of a pub.

Most recently, in the early hours of Monday morning, two men, who police said were friends, aged 33 and 47 had to be sedated, with one being restrained by six police officers and only calming down after having anaesthetic administered.

All of the men thought to have taken the drugs have been violently aggressive with police officers and hospital staff.

Sgt Pete Latham, from Blackburn Police, said: “Clearly for us, no one should be taking drugs, however we are becoming increasingly concerned about this suspected harmful batch of amphetamines, particularly as the users we have come across have shown extreme signs of violence and a couple of them have put themselves in dangerous situations.

“I am asking anyone who may have any information as to the source of these drugs to get in contact with us before someone else takes them and potentially put themselves at risk of serious harm.

“We take a proactive response into tackling the issue of drugs in the county.

“We would urge people who have information about illegal drug related activity to come forward and contact us or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone with details about the batch can call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting incident reference LC-20150928-0050.

A 49-year-old Blackburn man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs and has been released on police bail.